About RAA

RAA is one of the nation’s largest independent registered investment advisors, specializing in the unique challenges and goals of airline employees and their families. We provide personal solutions for 401(k) management, financial and retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, survivor assistance, as well as Medicare, Social Security, long-term care and insurance guidance.

Key Facts

Named by Barron’s as one of the Top 100 independent financial advisors in the United States

Rated a Financial Times Top 300 Financial Advisor

Focused on the unique needs of airline employees and their families

Recently completed a merger with Advisor Financial Services

Serving over 3,000 pilots at every major airline throughout the U.S.

Maintain a 97% client retention rate

More than 25 years of experience providing exceptional service to our clients

$2.3 billion in assets under management (As of July 1, 2016)

Our Values

Every great organization holds to a set of core beliefs that are shared by its members. Over the years, RAA has established these values, which serve as our guiding priciples.

Relationships

Our commitment to long term relationships guides everything we do. Retirement Advisors has worked successfully with thousands of clients.

Disciplined Approach

We employ a rigorous proven process that addresses all the components of a sound financial plan. We design financial plans customized to fit your financial situation and objectives.

Communication

We believe constant communication is critical. We use frequent communication to foster an ongoing dialogue and a constant exchange of information.

Your Well Being

Our sole mandate is to help you grow and preserve wealth in accordance with your overall financial goals.

What distinguishes RAA from other advisors?

The Final Approach Program®, which is the most comprehensive pilot retirement planning tool in the industry.

Unequaled experience and depth of knowledge of your airline benefits with a profound understanding of the pilot psyche.

You will know at least one of our clients, probably many. Ask us for a reference by airline, geography, military service, etc. We will provide you with a name you know.

To maintain a 98% client retention rate, we have to be exceptional. This is a goal we strive for in everything we do. Let us show you why the clients that choose us, stay with us.

OUR TEAM

The greatest asset we have to offer is the unparalleled expertise of our professionals. Our team, comprised of 48 employees and 34 Pilot Representatives is committed to serving the needs of our clients and their families and providing financial peace of mind throughout their retirement.
Client ServicesFinancial ConsultantsAirline RepresentativesManagement

AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVES

American

ACTIVE

RETIRED

Delta

ACTIVE

RETIRED

Southwest

ACTIVE

United

ACTIVE

Retirement Plan Expert

Jim Hall

Pilot Representative, AAL

Jim's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Chris Wiggins

Pilot Representative, UAL

Chris's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Tony Shaw

Pilot Representative, UAL

Tony's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Mark Crissman

Pilot Representative, UAL

Mark joined the RAA team in 2017 as a Pilot Representative, and is currently a Captain with United Air Lines on the 737, based out of Houston, TX. He has flown the 727, 737 and 787. He is a retired Navy Reservist with experience in Joint Air Command and Control and has served on Headquarters Staffs with Second, Third, and Seventh Fleet Staffs, and the Secretary of Defense Staff in Washington, D.C.

Mark graduated from Iowa State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and served 10 years on active duty as a Naval Flight Officer. Mark flew the A-3 Skywarrior, A-6 Intruder, and the ES-3 Shadow. He has a background in Aviation Safety. He has also investigated aircraft mishaps in the Navy and for the Airline Pilots Association.

Retirement Plan Expert

Jesse Reed

Financial Consultant

Jesse joined the RAA team in 2016, and is currently a first officer with Delta Air Lines on the 737, based out of Seattle, WA. He is also a Navy reservist with VAQ-129 out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA.

He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science, and served 12 years on active duty as a Naval Aviator. Jesse flew all variants of the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, and is a graduate of the Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) at which he also served as a tactics instructor for three years.

Prior to joining RAA, Jesse worked in defense contracting sales, and as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. Jesse currently holds his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Retirement Plan Expert

Patrick Danis

Pilot Representative, AAL

Pat Danis joined RAA in 2016 and currently serves as a Pilot Representative. Pat is also currently an active airline pilot with American Airlines. He has flown as Captain on the Airbus 320 fleet for the last three years. Prior to that, he served as an International First Officer for 11 years
on the Boeing 767 and 777. Pat was one of the last Dallas based Captains
to qualify on the Fokker 100 with American Airlines prior to its
retirement. He has also flown as a First Officer on the McDonnell
Douglas Super 80, Boeing 757, and served as a Flight Engineer on the
Being 727. Prior to flying with American Airlines, Pat flew the C-5
with the USAF and participated in Desert Shield and Storm. His initial
experience with the Air Force was piloting the T-39 Sabreliner and C-21
Learjet.

Pat is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration
and married his college sweetheart Marci. Pat also
earned an MBA from Cal State University in San Bernadino.

Retirement Plan Expert

Lisa Cristiano

Pilot Representative, AAL

Lisa's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Debra James

Flight Attendant Representative, AAL

Debra joined RAA in 2016 and serves as an Airline Representative. She has been a flight attendant for over 29 years, and has flown with American Airlines since 1992. During her career, Debra has received the Professional Flight Attendant Award twice, and she is qualified on the S-80, B-737, B-757, B-767, B-777 200/300, B-787, and Airbus-321S/319.

Debra also has experience in the financial industry. When she is not flying, she has worked in public accounting (Coopers & Lybrand), banking (FirsTier Bank), personal finance (Citi/AAdvantage MasterCard), and residential real estate (Coldwell Banker).

She is a proud graduate of The Fashion & Art Institute of Dallas at Omaha, where she earned her degree in public relations.

Retirement Plan Expert

Brian Bell

Pilot Representative, AAL

Brian's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Doug Balmain

Pilot Representative, AAL

Doug's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Kyle Glerum

Financial Consultant

Kyle joined RAA in 2016 and serves as an Airline Representative and is currently flying for American Airlines. Before joining RAA, Kyle worked at Advisor Financial Services (AFS) as the Director of Business Development for American Airlines. He then earned his Series 65 and became a Client Representative and Registered Investment Advisor with AFS.

Kyle graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Duke University. After earning his degree, he was commissioned as a Sec

Kyle and his wife, Leigh, currently live in Emerald Hills, CA. When they aren’t working, you can find them outside performing their volunteer duties as Open Space Guardians for the Peninsula Open Space Trust, on their bikes, hiking with their dogs, camping or skiing.

Retirement Plan Expert

Patrick Fisk

Financial Consultant

Patrick joined the RAA team in 2017 as an Airline Representative, and is currently a Flight Attendant for Delta Air Lines.

Prior to RAA, he worked as a representative with Advisor Financial Services. Patrick enjoys working directly with clients in all aspects of their financial and retirement planning.
Patrick earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. He is also a Certified Financial Planner® and earned his certificate from Oglethorpe University.

Retirement Plan Expert

Hoppy Buffington

Financial Consultant

Horace E. ‘Hoppy’ Buffington is a Pilot Representative for RAA. Hoppy joined RAA in 2016. Prior to joining RAA, Hoppy was a Client Service Representative with Advisor Financial Services for 3 years. Hoppy holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Georgia and a degree in Accounting from Georgia Southern University. Hoppy is a Captain for Delta Air Lines and holds a Series 65 Securities License.

Retirement Plan Expert

Mike Williams

Pilot Representative, AAL

Mike's Bio Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Tony DeSantis

Principal, AAL

Tony received his B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1970, as the Outstanding Graduate in Aerodynamics. In 1977, he received his MBA in Finance from the Columbia Graduate School of Business on a Samuel Bronfman Fellowship.

He served five years as a pilot in the USAF before joining American Airlines in 1976 and retired in 2005 while based in Miami. Tony served as chairman of the Los Angeles domicile APA Pension Committee from1984 to 1989 where he assisted pilots preparing for retirement, conducted retirement briefings, and wrote articles for local and national APA publications. Tony also developed computer software designed to project future retirement benefits, including lump sum and annuity options, early retirement benefits, 401K amounts, disability, and survivor death benefits. These projections have assisted hundreds of retiring pilots and have now become an integral part of the Final Approach Program® that he developed for RAA.

Tony joined the firm in November 1990 as the West Coast Marketing Representative. He has served as the West Coast Regional Advisor, Director of Airline Programs, and Executive Vice President. Tony currently serves on the Retirement Advisors Board of Directors.

Retirement Plan Expert

J. Kevin Dolan

Pilot Representative, AAL

Kevin received his BA in Economics from Denison University in Granville, Ohio in 1973. After getting his wings in the Air Force and flying the C-141, Kevin went on to the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his MBA in 1981, while flying for American Airlines.

At Wharton he earned the highest possible grade of "Distinguished" for his thesis on personal finance emphasizing cash flow management. Kevin is also a Certified Financial Planner.

Kevin has made several contributions to the Allied Pilot’s Association, including serving as chair for the first Strategic Planning committee at a domicile (ORD) for one year. Then in 1993, the APA asked Kevin to join the committee responsible for analyzing the feasibility of creating a credit union for the APA membership. He chaired the business planning committee and was on the Board of Directors from its inception in January of 1994, until April of 2000. Kevin Retired after over 32 years of flying for American Airlines on 8/1/10.

Kevin was recruited for PHH by Bill Hubble after being introduced by Tony DeSantis. At PHH Kevin has been a marketing rep, East Coast director, Director of Strategic Planning, and CFO. Kevin currently serves on the Retirement Advisors Board of Directors as well as in his marketing capacity.

Retirement Plan Expert

Rick Barton

Pilot Representative, AAL

Rick Barton is a Boeing 737 Check Airman at DFW and practices estate planning law. He previously served as an attorney for AMR Corporation, assisting in the Air Cal merger, MD-11 purchasing, and litigation involving computer reservation systems.

Rick is the former Mayor of Bedford, TX. He is also a retired Air Force officer, who served as a RF-4C pilot on active duty and in the Kentucky Air National Guard. He was a Check Airman for the DC-10, DC-9, A-300 and B-727 and a Captain for the B-767/757. He spent 10 years as a Judge Advocate for the Air Force Reserve, while working as an Air Force Admissions Liaison Officer. Rick received his B.S. in Engineering Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy, his Master of Science in Business Administration from UCLA, and his Juris Doctor in Law from Southern Methodist University. He was awarded the Mercantile National Bank Award upon graduation from SMU Law School as the top student in Estate Planning.

Retirement Plan Expert

Rob Burger

Pilot Representative, AAL

Rob Burger is a Financial Consultant for RAA, servicing clients and prospective clients throughout Southern California. Rob received degrees in aeronautics and business from San Jose State University in 1985.

Rob served as an instructor pilot for the United States Air Force from 1985 through 1991. He joined American Airlines as a pilot immediately following his work in the USAF in 1992.

Retirement Plan Expert

Cole Buxton

Pilot Representative, AAL

Cole Buxton serves as a pilot representative for RAA. Cole served on the Allied Pilots Association Board of Directors as Domicile Vice-Chairman from San Francisco. He also served on the National Pension Committee for 13 years.

Cole Buxton serves as a pilot representative for RAA. Cole served on the Allied Pilots Association Board of Directors as Domicile Vice-Chairman from San Francisco. He also served on the National Pension Committee for 13 years. The principal objective of the committee was to ensure that all decisions made were in the best interests of American Airlines Pilots. His experience in helping pilots with their retirement matters spans over 30 years. Cole retired as a Captain after 33 years with American Airlines. He has served as a crew member on almost all of the aircraft operated by American Airlines and has flown to all of American’s destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and the Far East. Cole studied law at the University of California, Berkeley and has an MBA in Finance and Accounting. He passed the Uniform CPA Examination and completed a course in Pension Administration at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. He has held a California Real Estate Broker license.

Retirement Plan Expert

Chuck Comeau

Pilot Representative, AAL

Chuck Comeau serves as a pilot representative for RAA. After training as a Naval Aviator, he served as a plane commander and flight instructor through 1968, when he was released from active duty.

After flying P3 aircraft in the U.S. Naval Reserve, he retired with the rank of Commander in 1983. Chuck retired after 30 years with American Airlines, having most recently been a check airman in Miami on the B-767 and B757 aircraft. Chuck majored in Economics and received an A.B. Math degree from College of the Holy Cross in 1960.

Retirement Plan Expert

Dave Comstock

Pilot Representative, AAL

Dave Comstock joined RAA in 1994 as a Financial Consultant, serving primarily in Texas. After 28 years of both active and reserve status, he retired with the rank of Colonel, U.S. Air Force.

Dave retired seven days early thanks to the Age 60 regulation and the RAA early retirement worksheet. Dave flew the following aircraft with American: B-727, MD-80, B757/767, DC-10 and the B-777. He served as a Check Airman on the MD 80 and the B 757/767. Dave earned his B.S. Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1967.

Retirement Plan Expert

Dave Duquemin

Pilot Representative, AAL

Dave Duquemin served as a Pilot Representative with PHH in Naperville IL from 1997 to 1999. He also served in several positions at APA, including on the Board of Directors, as Family Awareness Coordinator, Domicile Communications Coordinator, National Communications committee member and National Strike Preparedness Committee Chairman.

Dave served as the Marketing Director, Chairman of the Board and, Secretary at the Allied Pilots Federal Credit Union. Dave is currently an Airbus 320 Captain at DFW. He has also flown Captain on B-707, B-720 B-737, MD-80 and FK-100. Flying as First Officer on MD-80, B-727, B-757/767. Dave has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, European Division, and a Masters of Business from Gonzaga University, Spokane Washington. He also has taken the H&R Block initial tax preparer, Certified Financial Planner courses and has his real-estate license from Illinois as well as a PADI Certified Scuba Instructor, and a Nation Rifle Association Instructor.

Retirement Plan Expert

John German

Pilot Representative, AAL

John German has been with RAA since 1993. John works with existing clients as well as retiring crew members. After five years as an aviator in the United States Marine Corps, John joined American Airlines as a pilot in 1966.

He retired from American Airlines as an International Captain in 2002, after 36 years. Throughout John’s career with American Airlines, he pursued his financial interests in real estate and investments, buying, selling and managing residential and commercial real estate. In 1990, John entered the National Endowment for Financial Education’s College for Financial Planning. After three years of study, he completed the certification process and was awarded the title of Certified Financial Planner.

Retirement Plan Expert

George Griffin

Pilot Representative, AAL

George Griffin is a member of the Accident Investigation team and Mentor Team Leader for American Airlines. He is also a member of the Checkmate committee for APA.

George flew contract UPS freight before coming to American Airlines in 1986. While at American Airlines George has flown FE/FO on the 727 and FO on the DC-10. He has flown CA on the S-80 and since 2001 has been flying CA on the 757/767. He worked as an Assistant Chief Pilot from 2002-2005 and is currently a 767 Check Airman / APD. George graduated from Parks College of Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics.

Retirement Plan Expert

Daniel Griffin

Pilot Representative, AAL

Daniel Griffin is a Check Airman flying out of American’s Dallas/ Ft. Worth Airport. He joined American Airlines in 1995.

He held positions as Lead Check Airman for the Boeing 757 and 767 fleet and Aircrew Program Designee and Standardization Coordinator on both fleets. In 2009, Daniel coordinated and led the presentation for American Airlines Underwriters Insurance March review. Since 2005 Daniel has worked with pilots in training to optimize resources and maximize the productive assets of the Flight Department as Checkmate Representative. As a representative for the Flight ASAP Event Team since 1996 Daniel reviewed and coordinated safety actions for implementation into pilot training as well as being a Corrective Action Officer for FAA. Daniel is also a Senior Accountant Manager at WR Grace, DEWY & Almy, D.A. Stuart and Chemtool where he is responsible for sales, staff and product development.

In 2007, Daniel won American Airlines Employee of the Year, Flight Department Check Airman of the year and Flight Department Check Airman of the Quarter. From 1972 to 1979 Daniel was in the United States Navy as a pilot, Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer and Carrier Air Group LSO. Daniel earned his Bachelors of Administration in Economics from the College of Holy Cross. He received his Masters in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University.

Retirement Plan Expert

Alan Johnson

Pilot Representative, AAL

Alan began his career at American Airlines in 1990. A native of Atlanta, GA, he chose to
become a commuter, flying 19 years in Chicago as a B727 and D10 Flight Engineer and a First
Officer on the S80 and B767. Alan upgraded to Captain in November 2010 on the B737 and
flew out of the Miami hub.

As American Airlines entered bankruptcy and made plans to terminate pension plans, Alan was
looking for a partner for his retirement needs. He was introduced to RAA through retired
American Airlines’ pilots and in August 2012 actually joined the RAA team as a Pilot
Representative. In anticipation of American Airlines roll over of retirement funds, Alan worked
with RAA in Miami and Atlanta to introduce RAA to fellow pilots.

Alan moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area in September 2014. He became more
active with RAA as the merger with US Airways was creating changes and more possibilities
within the 401k program. The move to Texas also created the opportunity for Alan to volunteer
his time at the Allied Pilots Association on the Representation Committee and later became the
Chairman.

Alan became a Check Airman on the B737 in February 2015 where he served until April 2017
when he joined the DFW Flight Office as a Senior Manager of Flight, Chief Pilot. With his new
responsibilities, Alan no longer has an active role at RAA but remains a valued client.

Retirement Plan Expert

Bruce Killips

Pilot Representative, AAL

Bruce Killips joined RAA in 1999 and has been associated with investment management since 1979. He worked with the Allied Pilot's Association as their Chicago media representative.

Bruce joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972 and served as an "Aggressor" Instructor Pilot after a two-year tour in Korea. On active duty, Bruce worked on his Masters Degree in Business Administration. He also attended the USAF's Squadron Officer's School with a Letter of Commendation. Bruce joined American Airlines after being released from active duty in 1979. He retired from American Airlines in September 2008. Bruce received his degree in Mass Communications from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Retirement Plan Expert

Joe Maiden

Pilot Representative, AAL

Joe Maiden joined PHH in 1992. He served on the Board of Directors of the Allied Pilots Association and was a member of the APA Negotiating Committee for nine years.

During that time he was actively involved with the pilot retirement plan, attending the Workshop of Money Management Fundamentals at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and the Professional Negotiator Advanced Skills Seminar at the Institute of Industrial Relations, Loyola University. Joe was commissioned in the U. S. Marine Corps serving five years active duty, including a combat tour in Vietnam, and eight years reserve duty. He began a career as an airline pilot with American Airlines in 1966 and retired in 1999. He attended the MBA program in Management at San Diego State University and received a Bachelor of Science in 1961 from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Retirement Plan Expert

Vince Malinowski

Pilot Representative, AAL

Vince Malinowski worked for Merrill Lynch as a Certified Financial Manager for several years. He entered the US Navy flight program shortly after his graduation from the University of Wyoming.

After six years of active duty Vince entered the Naval Reserves, where he retired after 20 years at the rank of Commander. He joined American Airlines in 1979 and completed a 33 year career, retiring in 2012 as a B767 Captain. Vince graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management.

Retirement Plan Expert

Bob Paty

Pilot Representative, AAL

Bob Paty serves as a RAA Financial Consultant. He joined Pritchard, Herr and Associates in 1993 as an Investment Advisor Representative. Bob was appointed as the Central Regional Marketing Representative in 1996 and became the Eastern Regional Marketing Representative in 1998.

In addition to being a pilot in the Navy, he worked in many administrative positions, including Commanding Officer of a P3 Patrol Squadron.

He worked for and with American Airlines pilots for 17 years through the Allied Pilots Association as a Domicile Representative, member of the APA Board of Directors, and served on various committees. As APA Secretary Treasurer, he served as a member of the Pension Committee meeting quarterly for three years with AMR Investment Officers and the 10 to 13 money managers managing the Variable Benefit Plan and the Defined Benefit Plan. Bob joined the U.S. Navy in 1956 ,retiring with the rank of Captain in the Naval Reserves in 1983. In addition to being a Navy pilot, he worked in many administrative positions, including Commanding Officer of a P3 Patrol Squadron. Bob joined American Airlines in 1967 and retired in 1995 as an International Captain on the B-767 out of JFK. During his 28 years at American Airlines, he worked as a check airman on the Electra, B-727, and MD-80. In 1988, he completed the Pensions Administration Course at the Wharton School of Finance. Bob attended the University of Texas in Austin, Texas majoring in Business Administration.

Retirement Plan Expert

Jud Prather, MS

Pilot Representative, AAL

Jud Prather joined PHH in 1992, shortly before he completed his career with American Airlines as an International Captain, flying from DFW to Europe. Jud joined Arthur Anderson & Co. as a Certified Public Accountant in New York, after graduating from Colorado University with a Bachelor of Science (Business) degree in 1957.

He entered the United States Air Force the following year and served in Germany as a Tactical Fighter Pilot. His last assignment was as a Fighter Weapons Instructor at Nellis AFB, Nevada. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with cluster, the Air Medal with clusters, and the Purple Heart for his service over North Vietnam. Jud became a pilot for American Airlines in 1966, after receiving a Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Operations Management from the University of Southern California. He retired from American Airlines in 1994. While domiciled in San Francisco he served as Allied Pilots Association Domicile Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and served on the American Negotiating Committee for 15 years. During that time, he was involved in negotiating six complete contracts, including the retirement provisions that exist today.

Retirement Plan Expert

Jay Suggs

Pilot Representative, AAL

Jay Suggs has served as a Financial Consultant with PHH since 1996. He served 24 of his 26 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Fighter Pilot, retiring from the reserves in 1995 with the rank of Colonel.

He joined American Airlines in 1987 and retired in 2006 as a S-80 Captain, based in DFW. Jay received his B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University and a MS degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

Retirement Plan Expert

Wes Sharp

Director of Business Development, AAL

Joseph .W Sharp serves as the Director of Business Development for RAA. Wes joined RAA in 2016. He works with the Sales and Marketing teams seeking new opportunities within the airline sector throughout the country. Prior to RAA Wes held the same position with Advisor Financial Services. Wes holds a BS in Business Marketing from Winthrop University.

Retirement Plan Expert

Karl Petersen

Director of Business Development

Karl S. Petersen is a Pilot Representative for RAA. Karl joined RAA in 2016. Prior to RAA, Karl was a Client Service Representative with Advisor Financial Services for seven years. Karl holds a BS in Operations Management from the University of Arizona and an MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Karl is a Line Validation Pilot for Delta Air Lines and holds the Series 65 Securities License.

Retirement Plan Expert

Wade Mason

Financial Consultant

Robert “Wade” Mason is a Pilot Representative for RAA (RAA). Wade became part of the RAA team in July 2016. Prior to RAA, Wade was a Client Services Representative with Advisor Financial Services, LLP since 2013. Wade is a current pilot for Delta Air Lines and has a BS in Engineering Mechanics from the USAF Academy and a MS in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico State University. Prior to Delta, Wade was career Air Force. Wade has a Series 65 License.

Retirement Plan Expert

Kenneth D. Mills

Pilot Representative, DAL

Ken Mills serves as a Pilot Representative for RAA. Ken joined RAA in 2016 and is responsible for client front line interactions with RAA's client demographics - airline employees. Prior to RAA, Ken was a client (2005-2014) and later a client service representative for Advisor Financial Services (from 2014 until joining RAA). Ken holds a BS in Business Management from the United States Air Force Academy and an MPA from Walden with an emphasis in Law and Public Policy Ken is also a Boeing 767 Captain.

Retirement Plan Expert

Jim George

Pilot Representative, DAL

Jim George joined PHH in 2000. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in July of 1987, Jim was selected as one of the first retired military pilots to be hired by Delta. Jim served the pilot group as a Delta Pilots Mutual Aid (DPMA) Trustee for over eight years.

As DPMA Treasurer, he established the initial financial structure, processes, and procedures for the separation of DPMA funds from Delta Air Lines. Jim also served on the Los Angeles Council Retirement & Insurance Committee in 2003 and 2004, and was the LAX R&I Chairman when he retired from Delta in 2004. His airline career included positions as a B-727 Check Engineer and as a B-737 Lead Line Check Airman. He was based in Dallas, Orlando, Atlanta, and finally in Los Angeles, where he flew Captain on the B-757 and B-767 for four years.

Jim graduated from the USAF Academy in 1967 and served 20 years on active duty in the USAF. His Air Force career included over 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia, tours of duty in the training command, overseas, and in various fighter assignments, including commanding an F-16 squadron. During his Air Force career, Jim also held staff positions on the faculty at Squadron Officers School, as a General's Aide, at the Pentagon, and in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management. Jim is a graduate of the Army War College and earned a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Retirement Plan Expert

David J Pietruszewski

Pilot Representative, DAL

David joined RAA In 2013. Driven by his concern for fellow pilots in the new age of post bankruptcy airline retirement plans, David's search for guidance and planning assistance brought him to RAA.

After meeting with the RAA Staff, David and the team decided the best way for David to help his fellow pilots was to join the RAA team as a pilot representative.

David joined Delta Air Lines in 1999. He was a NYC and ATL based 767-400ER First Officer for the last 7 years. Currently he is a
MD 88/90 Captain based in Atlanta.

David graduated from Buffalo State in 1983 with a BS in Business Administration with duel majors of Accounting and Finance. While studying for the New York CPA exam David answered the call to service. He completed Aviation Officer Candidate School and was Commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He flew the P3C Orion based in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. With VP-1 he had the pleasure of being a Patrol Plane Commander/Mission Commander during OPERATION DESERT SHIELD in 1990. Afterwards, he was stationed at NAS Whiting Field as a Primary Flight Instructor Pilot for VT-3 based in Pensacola, Florida.

In 1994 David left active duty to continue his corporate career as a sales rep for International Paper Container Division in the Management Development Program. He was based in Dallas with territories extending from the Dallas/ Ft Worth Metroplex to Ponca City, Oklahoma. Meanwhile, he continued his career flying as a contract pilot for Burlington Northern Railroad and Naval career with Patrol Squadron 94 based at NASJRB New Orleans.

David also flew with Executive Jet (Net Jets) and then with Southern Company Services, a division of the Southern Company. His corporate flying and working with International Paper gave David a unique set of skills to work with high powered individuals. He is ready to deal with demanding schedules and has an aptitude for service.

David's Naval career continued until January 2008 when retired from the Naval Reserves at the rank of Commander, United States Navy.
David's greatest concern is that fellow pilots realize that they are now in charge of their own retirement destiny and will plan accordingly. RAA provides David with the avenue to assist his fellow pilots to a controlled path to retirement with the best team behind him.

David can be reached at 407-234-2871

Retirement Plan Expert

Buck Stevens

Pilot Representative, DAL

Buck Stevens joined the PHH team in 1998, shortly after completing his career with Delta Air Lines. Buck joined Delta in 1970. During his 28-year career he served as line check airman, proficiency check airman, aircrew program designee (APD), senior instructor on the DC-9, MD-82, and MD-88 aircraft.

He retired on the B-767/B-757 aircraft as a line pilot/check airman in 1998. Buck joined the U.S. Army in 1963 and flew a variety of aircraft, as well as serving as flight instructor on the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk, the aircraft he flew during his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was released from active duty with the rank of Major in 1970. Buck received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Auburn University in 1962.

Retirement Plan Expert

Pete Wilke

Pilot Representative, DAL

Pete joined RAA in 2013. Pete began his Delta Airlines career after retiring from the United States Marine Corps in 1991. Pete has served the pilot group as a Delta Pilots Mutual Aid (DPMA) Trustee for 15 years and served as the Chairman for 4 years.

At DPMA, Pete streamlined operations to reduce overall costs to the organization, applied for and won approval as a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) by the Internal Revenue Service and implemented funding for future disabilities. He oversaw hiring of new vendors (legal and financial) to better meet the needs of the organization and was also involved in planning for mergers, acquisitions and any changes in the underlying disability benefit plan that might affect the organization.

He completed his B.A of Political Science at the University of Montana, Missoula in 1979. He holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation and served as an Investment Steward for over $30M of DPMA assets.

Pete is an active Captain at Delta flying the 737 and is based in Los Angeles.

Pete can be reached at 949-632-0928

Retirement Plan Expert

Brian Curland

Pilot Representative, SWA

Brian Curland joined RAA in 2013 and has been associated with Investment Management since 2000. He joined Southwest Airlines in 2006 and is currently a First Officer based in Baltimore.

Brian received a B.S. Degree in History from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA in 1998 and then went to USAF Pilot training as an A-10 pilot with the Maryland Air National Guard. He was selected as an ANG exchange pilot in 2003 to be a T-38 Instructor with the active duty Air Force. He then came back to the Maryland Air National Guard in 2006 as an A-10 Instructor participating in multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently working on his MBA in Military Management from Trident University.

Retirement Plan Expert

Cathy Dees

Pilot Representative, SWA

Information Coming Soon

Retirement Plan Expert

Pat Connelly

Pilot Representative, AAL

Pat joined RAA in 2017 as an Airline Representative and is currently a Captain at American Airlines. Before joining RAA, Pat was a Field Representative at Advisor Financial Services (AFS).

Pat graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985. Commissioned an Officer in the US Marine Corps, Pat served for almost 30 years, retiring in October of 2014 at the rank of Colonel.

Pat and his wife, Sheila, live in Clemmons, NC. They have three children, Emily, Mary Kate, and Jack. The family enjoys travel and the outdoors, and are avid UNC Tarheels and Clemson Tigers fans.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Our focus is on delivering an exceptional client experience and our staff and time tested wealth
management process has helped us deliver superior results. Our client’s success and satisfaction is how
we measure our success. After that, we do take pride in awards and accolades from within the industry
and we have collected our share of those as well.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

RAA was ranked as one of the Top 150 RIA firms in 2017 as published in Financial Planning, January 2017.

RAA was listed in the 100 Fastest Growing RIA Firms as published in Forbes, November 2016.

RAA was ranked in the top 150 RIAs by assets under management in Financial Advisor's RIA Survey & Ranking, July 2016.

RAA was ranked as one of the Top 150 RIA firms in 2016 as published in Financial Planning, January 2016.

In 2013, RAA was named one of the Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors by Barron's.

RAA was ranked as one of the Top RIA firms in 2013 by Financial Advisor with more than $1.6 billion in assets.

The 2013 Five Star Wealth Managers are a select group, representing less than 4% of the wealth managers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

RAA was named one of the best Wealth Managers and Financial Planners in Dallas.

RAA is ranked the 5th largest Registered Investment Advisory firms in Texas with more than $1,500,000,000 assets under management.

In 2010 RAA was named one of Investment News Top 30 Financial Planners.

In 2011, RAA was ranked as one of Forbes Top 50 RIA’s with more than 1.5 billion in assets.

RAA was ranked as one of the Top Fee-Only Firms in 2010 by Investment News.

Winner of the 2011 Focus Elite Award for top culture and leadership as seen in Harvard Business Review and Pensions Investments.

About Us

Our expertise in the industry allows us to assist you with the important decisions you will make before and after retirement. Our professionals have the experience and resources to help you create and implement a disciplined financial plan.

RAA's proprietary Final Approach Program is known throughout the airline industry as a comprehensive pre-retirement program, providing pilots and their families with timely advice and accurate guidance as they consider retirement.